FAAN Closes MMA Apron To Connect New Terminal

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June 9, 2019

By Uche Mbah

Weeks after the Minister of Aviation indicated that the current Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, will be pulled down to give way for the new terminal, the Federal Airports Authority has announced the closure of Gate 1 Apron and some taxiways at the Tarmac. This, according to them is to enable the Chinese Construction company to complete linkage of the new Apron with the Terminal.

Recall that the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, had hinted on pulling down the old terminal to give way for the new. Though Sirika is no longer the Minister of Aviation, it is likely that he may return to the Ministry or at least play a major role in selecting his own replacement.

Sirika allegedly belongs to the few powerful people within the Presidency who run the country by proxy, and is said to be seriously involved in the current selection of new ministers.

In a release by FAAN signed by Henrietha Yakubu, FAAN image Maker, and made available to This Magazine, FAAN said they have developed procedures for human and vehicular movement within the Apron. Below is the full text of the release.

FAAN TO CLOSE MMIA APRON GATE 1 FOR 6 WEEKS.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria hereby notifies airlines, airport users and the general public that effective Friday June 7, 2019, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s Apron Gate 1 and some sections of Taxiway F would be closed to human and vehicular traffic for six weeks.

This closure is to enable the contractor handling the construction of the new terminal (China Civil Construction Company) link the proposed apron under construction to the existing one.

To maintain orderliness and ensure safety of operators while the project would last, the Authority has developed and deployed specific procedures for vehicular movements and officers of the Aviation Security department have been mobilized to ensure compliance.

The Authority will like to solicit the understanding and cooperation of all concerned towards ensuring a safe airside for aircraft movement and personnel safety during the construction.

FAAN… Committed to her core values of Safety, Security and Comfort.

Henrietta Yakubu (Mrs.)

General Manager, Corporate Affairs

Uncertainty Over Bulkachuwa Replacement As Tribunal Resumes Sitting Monday

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Uche Mbah

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June 8, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

After a long delay, the Presidential Election Tribunal resumes sitting Monday after the last session that saw the Appeal Court head, Zainab Bulkachuwa, recusing herself from the case while promising to appoint a judge to replace her as a member of the tribunal.

Two weeks later, she appeared to have made no efforts to replace herself, prompting the lead Counsel for Atiku Abubakar, the Paople’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Livy Uzoukwu, to protest about the issue to the Head of the Court of Appeal, Bulkachuwa herself querying her delay. Her lack of response would have resulted in a petition to the National Judicial council accusing her of dereliction of duty.

But that was not to happen.

The tribunal late this week wrote to all parties concerned informing all that the tribunal will resume Monday, 8th June 2019. But according to information available to This Magazine, no mention was made of the replacement in the notice to stakeholders.

The tribunal has 180 days to finish the case. Opposition PDP has been smelling foul play, insisting that the delay is part of grand design to deny justice to Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate.

It was also alleged that part of the reason for the clampdown on DAAR communications was that they took a strong editorial stand against Justice Bulkachuwa continuing to remain as a panel member of the Tribunal, even as the Chairman. “The idea was to muscle the media house before bringing the replacement. She was probably shopping for a Judge that maybe would share her political philosophy on the case”, an opposition PDP source told this Magazine. Bulkachuwa was said to have filial affiliation with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

This is probably not the case. This Magazine found out that the Courts are overwhelmed by the unprecedented number of election cases under the current Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.Hence the Judges are overstretched. Most Civil cases and criminal cases, the Magazine was told, had to suffer because the election cases takes precedence.

AIT Back On AIR, Records More Than Twenty Million Viewers Within One Hour

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Uche Mbah

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June 8, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

Within one hour of it being reopened consequent upon a Court order, African Independent Television, AIT, a subsidiary of DAAR Communications Ltd, which was shut down by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, earlier this week, recorded over twenty million viewers within one hour.The viewership cuts across all continents of the world.

AIT was off the air for about twenty four hours.

Checks monitored in Lagos indicate that the media house has benefited more from the closure than expected. The closure has inadvertently become a strong brand advertisement for the media house.

During the closure, Sky news shut the door against the Nigerian Television authority, NTA. NTA latches on their bandwidth for international connections. Though there was no official link of the action to the DAAR ban, it is believed to be in reaction to the Federal Government ban.

AIT had been through troubled waters before, and is still going through more. Of the over fifteen branches opened nation wide, only four of them are reportedly still functional. They also had to close down other stations opened in the West African subregion.

Recall that Justice Ekwo inyang of the Abuja High Court had ruled that Status Quo before may 30 should be maintained pending the resolution of the substantive suit filed by DAAR communications against NBC. Hours after the judgement, AIT was reopened. Raypower and Faaji Radio Stations were also reopened.

This Magazine had reported that the Department of Security Services, DSS, were on hand to enforce the close down of DAAR Communications. The NBC, had sent a letter to DAAR communications intimating the organization of the close down. Police and DSS were on hand to enforce compliance.

The case between DAAR Communications and NBC will come up for hearing After June 12, the new Democracy Day.It comes up on June 13.

Abuja High Court Orders Reopening of AIT, Others

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Uche Mbah

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June 7, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

An Abuja High Court has ruled that Status Quo prior to the suspension of DAAR communications’ license should be maintained pending the determination of the substantive suit filed before the Court.

DAAR Communications had approached the court with motion seeking to compel NCC to hands off persecution of the Media outfit. The case was filed on 31st of May 2019.

Last Thursday, DAAR communications approached the Court seeking an exparte order returning everything to status quo ante bellum.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo Inyang ordered for both parties to return to the condition before the suspension, effectively nullifying the suspension.

DAAR communications was represented by Mike Ozhekome, SAN.

The case has been adjourned to June 13 for hearing.

Recall that the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, wielded the big stick on DAAR communications alleging infractions on the commission’s modality of operations. This had included indebtedness and airing contents adjudged by the Commission as being against National interest.

Unfortunately, for the commission, it appears that the line between National interest and Presidential interest has been completely blurred as far as the commission is concerned.

NBC had used the Department of State, the Police and other security Agencies to effect the service of the NBC decision.

The Commission’s boss, Modibo Kawu, has a multi billion Naira scandal hanging over his neck and has been under investigations by the Economic and Financial crimes commission, EFCC. It is alleged by the opposition that he was given the option of being prosecuted or hammering Raymond Dokpesi, the Emeritus Chairman of DAAR communication. Dokpesi had been having a running battle with both security agencies and the APC led government. He allegedly chose the later option.

Kawu is said to be a card carrying member of APC, though he vehemently denied that it has any bearing to his decision on DAAR communications in an interview with a daily newspaper.

June 12: MKO Family Faces Hardship As FG Revokes Oil Block

By

Bayo Bernard

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June 7, 2019

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Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola’s family will not be celebrating on June 12.

That day has been declared Democracy Day by the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government, in memory of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election later annulled by the military.

While Abiola’s children and relatives are still bracing up for the national holiday coming up next Wednesday, the Buhari’s government has hammered them with a big setback.

On Thursday, June 6 the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR finally revoked the oil mining license of Summit Oil International, one of the flagship oil prospecting firms in the country.

The oil block belongs to the family of the business and political icon.

The DPR said it revoked the oil blocks on the order of President Buhari “In furtherance of the presidential directive on recovery of legacy debts owed the federation and in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Act Cap P10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,” it said in a statement.

President Buhari had last year announced its government readiness to withdraw the mining license of notable Nigerians.

Apart from Summit Oil International, other companies affected in the sweep are, Pan Ocean Oil Corporation (OML98); Allied Energy Resources Nigeria (OML120 and 121; Express Petroleum and Gas Company (OML 180 ) and Cavendish Petroleum Nigeria (OML 110).

The DPR said it withdrew the licenses of the firms over debt owed the federal government by the oil prospection companies.

Recall that the immediate past Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachkwu, last February announced the preparedness of the Buhari government to revoke the licences of some oil firms.

Kachikwu had expressed concern that the said companies have failed to make statutory remittances to the government, despite being in Joint operation with the federal government.

According to him, the companies’ deliberate refusal to remit their own counterpart funding had denied the federal government necessary capital to fund development in the country.

In spite of the reason supplied by the government, the revocation was not well received by the family of the late politician and philanthropist.

Even though the family has not reacted to the matter, the magazine learned they are still studying the issue.

Some close relatives told the magazine that the federal government has compounded the problem of the family considering that most of the businesses left by the late politician are not presently doing well.

The family has also been embroiled in serious disputes over the properties left by him.

This is not a good time for the Abiolas: the media business has collapsed, so is the investment in education, as well as property business, sources close to the family said.

“The same people that killed our son are trying to put a finger in his business. The Abiola family has done a lot for the country to be treated in this manner,” one relative said.

The source disclosed to the magazine that “the Buhari’s government is regarded as a friend of the family, particularly after honouring our son by declaring June 12 Democracy Day. But what it has now done left most of us in the family thinking whether it really understands the sacrifice made by Bashorun Abiola.”

Meanwhile the owners of the oil blocks told the magazine that they will challenge the revocation in the court. The aggrieved owners said they were unhappy with the manner the revocation was hurriedly done.

AIT Update: PDP, Atiku, Nigerians React As NBC Gives Reasons For The Suspension

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Uche Mbah

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June 7, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

Nigerians and prominent opposition party members have expressed outrage over the suspension of the operating license of DAAR communications, owners of African Independent Television, AIT, Raypower and Faji Radio stations.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, through its national Chairman, Uche Secondus, described the action as undesirable and unfortunate.” It is an indication of what to come as the government must be planning to arrest Nigerians indiscriminately”, he said.” It is also an indication that the government has returned the country to military rule. President Buhari must know that he is not the king of the country. Rather, he should know that we are in a democracy.”

The suspension took place barely six days to June 12, the newly approved democracy day.

The Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, agrees that President Buhari is showing traits of dictatorship. “The legislature has been challenged. The judiciary has been tackled. If we stand by as the press loses its independence, there will be little to differentiate us from a dictatorship. This should not happen,” he said.

Across social media, reactions to the issue were generally that of shock and anger. Many saw it as persecution and a confirmation of dictatorship.

The Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, has given the NBC 24 hours to reverse the suspension of license, describing the action as unacceptable.

The British BskyB, in reaction, has withdrawn the Nigerian Television Authority International, NTA, from its Sky Channel 781. NTA uses their Channel to reach out to the world. Although they did not give reasons for this, the timing coincided with the AIT license suspension. It is believed to have been done because of that.

The NBC, however, has given reasons for the shutdown of the three media houses under the umbrella of DAAR communications. In a press conference to announce the closure, the Commission said that the closure is until further notice.

Below is the text of the press briefing.

PRESS BRIEFING ON SUSPENSION OF LICENCE – DAAR COMMUNICATIONS, HELD TODAY 6TH JUNE, 2019 AT THE NBC HEADQUARTERS IN ABUJA.

Following monitoring reports and complaints from concerned Nigerians about the broadcast contents of Daar Communications Plc’s AIT/Raypower broadcast stations, the NBC have over the last 2 years summoned on several occasions management of the company to address issues regarding the operations of AIT/Raypower with the company, particularly, Political Platform and Kakaaki aired on AIT.

In one of our meetings, held on 2nd June, 2017, the Commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner Hate Speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code.

Again, on 15th August, 2017, it became imperative to invite the company for yet another meeting on almost same issues. Furthermore, while addressing another meeting on 7th February, 2018 we highlighted issues of concern to the Commission which indicated that the company had been breaching the provisions of Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the broadcast Code. The company’s delegates in their response promised to abate the breaches and comply with the law.

However, on October 18, 2018, the Commission was disturbed with the manner in which social media issues became part of the mainstream media unedited on AIT/Raypower, and was constrained to issue a generic letter to all broadcast stations on

the need to exercise caution in the use of user generated content from the social media knowing how volatile and misleading the social media has become. The management of Daar Communication Plc thereafter took to the social media to display our official correspondences.

Recently, the Commission’s monitoring reports on AIT/Raypower indicate the use of divisive comments accredited to the segment of “Kakaaki”, tagged, “Kakaaki Social”, where inciting comments like, “Nigeria is cursed, we declare independent state of Niger Delta”, “Nigeria irritates me”, “this country is gradually Islamizing” and other similar slogans are used without editorial control in breach of the broadcast Code. We were therefore constrained to issue Daar Communication letters of warning dated May 27th, 2019.

We also observed from monitoring reports that a documentary on the Presidential Election Tribunal, a pending election petition matter aired on AIT on Wednesday and Thursday, 22nd and 23rd May, 2019 without regard to the provisions of the Broadcast Code. The Commission, in line with its regulatory powers again cautioned AIT in another letter also dated 27th May, 2019.

However, instead of making amends, the management of Daar Communications Plc resorted to the use of media propaganda against the regulator. Even the letters from the NBC were posted on social media platforms.

Needless to state that Daar Communications have over the years turned themselves into a bad example of how a professional broadcast outfit should not be run.

In their relationship with the NBC, Daar Communications carry on, as if it is beyond the regulatory direction of the Commission. They don’t pay their licence fees as and when due.

Its broadcast is patently partisan and one sided and deliberately inciting and heating the polity. The management of the Company has created the habit of using the channel to fight its personal battles contrary to the statutory requirements of the law.

SHUT DOWN ORDER

Today the 6th of June, 2019, AIT/Rapower embarked on use of inflammatory, divisive, inciting broadcasts, and media propaganda against the government and, the NBC for performing its statutory functions of regulating the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

Consequently, after several meetings with management of Daar Communications Plc and many letters of warning. The NBC, today 6th June, 2019 took a decision to suspend the licence of Daar Communications Plc for failure to abide by the Commission’s directives, the provisions of the NBC Act Cap N11

Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

This decision is based on the provisions of Section 10 of the Third Schedule of the NBC Act Cap N11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which states as follows:

(d) where in the opinion of the Commission the station has been used in a manner detrimental to national interest.

(g) where there is wilful or repeated failure to operate
substantially as set forth in the licence

(h), where there is wilful or repeated violation or wilful or repeated failure to observe any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation of the Commission authorised by this Act or by a treaty ratified by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

(i), where there is violation of or failure to observe any cease and desist order issued by the Commission;

(k), where a provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code has been seriously breached; and

The SHUT DOWN order is until further notice.

Imo: Ihedioha Cages Okorocha; Begins full blown probe of his Regime

By

The Source

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June 7, 2019

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By Gideon Njoku

For former Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, things are getting worse by the day.

Since May 29, 2019 when he left office, his loyalists and associates have been abandoning him almost on daily basis. The most dramatic was the lmo House Assembly. Last week, in a most shocking manner, its members distanced themselves from almost all the decisions he took in the recent months.

Recall that for the eight years Okorocha was in office, he was hands in glove with the members. The IMHA was an extension of Okorocha’s office. Anything he did was excellent.

Less than one week out of office, however, the members have regained their independence, and turned against Okorocha.

In a unanimous resolution last week, they asked the new governor, Hon Emeka Ihedioha to probe him, and embark on a total review of everything he did from the day he, Ihedioha, was declared the governor-elect.

Ihedioha has said yes to their yearnings. Now, Okorocha will not only live with the EFCC investigations, he will also live with a full blown probe by his successor.

In two seperate press releases signed by the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Barr. Uche Onyeagocha, on Thursday, June 6, the governor set up two Committees to look into almost everything Okorocha did since 2015.

The first Committee, headed by Mr Okey Anyanwu, is mandated to review all appointments, recruitments, and much more in line with the resolution of the Imo State House of Assembly.

Other members of the Committee are: Mr Chukwuma Nwachukwu, Mrs Ngozi Onyirioha, Mr Chima Nmeregini, Mr Bismarck Eziohuru, Mr Justin Amafili and Mr Donatus Ibe.

They are charged with the following.

* To evaluate the recent appointments of the Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Solicitor General, Accountant General, and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments.

*To examine all staff recruitments, command promotions, transfers and secondments of officers without following due process – from 2015 to date, applying the public service rules and regulations.

*To review all extensions of service period of retired officers and contract appointments.

* To investigate cases of officers who were unduly suspended or retired – from 2015 till date.

Okorocha, had, a couple of days to his leaving office, surprisingly appointed a new Head of Service, Accountant General, Solicitor General and, eleven Permanent Secretaries. His eight-year tenure was, also, notorious for arbitrary retirements, promotions, recruitments, transfers and secondments of civil servants.

The second committee is the Financial Advisory Committee for the state government.

Headed by Dr Abraham Nwankwo, its terms of reference include:

* To ascertain and document the locations of, and balances on all bank accounts operated by Imo state government, its ministries, departments and agencies as at May 29, 2019.

* To review all financial transactions, and, where necessary, a forensic audit, with a view to ascertaining sources of funds, and the application of same.

* To review such disbursements/applications of State resources to ascertain the propriety of charges levied on accounts, interest payment on loans and deposits where applicable, authorization, etc.

*To review the operations of the Imo State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) with a view to recommending appropriate strategies to reposition the agency for better performance and sustained growth.

* To conduct governance/financial reviews of key agencies of government with a view to:

1) Documenting all revenues generated or subventions/allocations between 2011-2019.

2) Reviewing the propriety of applications/disbursements of State resources between 2011-2019.

3) Recommending measures that would strengthen internal controls and enhance the performance of those key agencies of government.

Other members of this Committee are: Mr Nick Oparandudu (Secretary), Nze Charles Onwunali, Mr Kelechi Omeni-Nzewuihe, Sir Chime Aliliele, Mr Charles Nwogu, Mrs Udeze Ibezim and Mrs Oft Maureen Okafor.

This particular Committee is of great interest to Imolites considering that, among other claims, out-gone governor Okorocha publicly insists that he left the sum of N42bn for the new government.

Imolites may be in for a big shock at the end of the day. Both Committees will be inaugurated today, June 7, 2019.

Breaking: NBC Suspends The License Of DAAR Communications

By

Uche Mbah

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June 6, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

The suspension of the broadcasting licences of DAAR Communications, yesterday, by the Federal Government, has been greeted with outrage and anger across the country.

DAAR Communications, the parent body of African Independent Television, AIT, and Ray Power Radio stations, had its license suspended by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, over what an alleged breach of the broadcasting code of the commission. The NBC is the regulatory body of Broadcasting in Nigeria.

But, Daar Communications, at a world press conference addressed by its founder and emeritus chairman, Dr Raymond Dokpesi, denied any breach on its part, and strongly accused the NBC Director General, Moddibo Kawu of bias against the Organization, and persecution for standing by the truth, speaking truth to power, and standing by the ethics of journalism. The organization, also, asked the Federal Government to quickly relieve Kawu of the DGship of the NBC, for the fact that he is not only standing trial for alleged corruption in his line of duty as the NBC boss, but that it is scandalous that he went back to his seat, after failing to clinch the APC Governorship ticket in Kwara state, recently.

Yesterday, some human rights activists and Dokpesi took to the streets of Abuja, protesting what they described as the intimidation and harassment of the media house by the Commission. The National Assembly was one of the places they visited, where they also called for the resignation of Kawu for alleged conflict of interest.

Dokpesi alleged that Kawu had, for several months, been harassing and intimidating the media house preparatory for its closure. He submitted a petition to the National Assembly, which was received by Senator Shehu Sani on behalf of the NASS which members were holding a valedictory session to mark the end of the 8th Assembly.

The NBC had sent a warning letter, among a couple of other letters, to DAAR Communications, complaining about its social media content in one of their programs, the khaakaki Social Media and some of its discussion and presentation programs.

The NBC also accused the Organization of owing License fees to the tune of N500m, an accusation DAAR vehemently rejected.

Yesterday, Police and DSS operatives were on hand to deliver the letter of suspension at the Abuja Office of AIT and Ray Power.

Both stations have shut down its operations in compliance with the order.

But, reacting to the NBC action, the Nigerian Guild, NGE, described the suspension of the licenses as shocking and unbelievable. Said the NGE President, Mrs Funke Egbemode, “This action is unbelievable. Why would government do this in a democracy? This action is unacceptable and will not stand” In his own reaction, Atiku Abubakar the Presidential candidate of the PDP, said: ” The legislature has been challenged. The judiciary has been tackled. If we stand by as the Press loses its independence, there will be little to differentiate us from a dictatorship. This should not happen”

DAAR Communications says it would go to Court to seek redress.

Lagos: Federal Government Properties, Monuments Wasting Away-Investigations

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Uche Mbah

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June 6, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

Federal government buildings and historical monuments in Lagos have been left to rot with age and disuse, and mostly have become abodes for the homeless and miscreants, apart from reptiles and rodents. Where they are partly put to use, Chinese companies hire maybe just a floor-or parts thereof-at giveaway rents.

Buildings like NECOM building, the National Theater and others have become symbols of the waste culture by successive governments.

Once, the monument-NECOM- was gutted by fire, but after that, nobody appeared to be interested anymore. Indications are that mostly the Federal government structures in Abuja are at the forefront of attentions as far as successive governments are concerned.

Government has refused to sell or concession such monuments, resulting in loss of billions of Naira annually by the country.

Such buildings include the Federal Secretariat Complex, Ikoyi, The Nigerian External Telecommunications (NET) building , Marina, (now NECOM Building), the Defense House (formerly Independence Building), former NAVY Headquarters building in Marina, the National Arts Theater, Iganmu, former National Assembly complex, Tafawa Balewa Square, and the Supreme Court building, among others. The National Stadium is only intermittently used.

The National Secretariat has been overgrown with weeds and has become home to rodents and reptiles. Even 1004 complex, said to have been acquired by a former president and his cronies, is only partially occupied.

This tells the story of the maintenance culture of the Federal government.

The Nigerian External Telecommunications building, NET, also called NITEL and NECOM building, was once the tallest building in Africa. The 32 story building is currently left to weeds, rodents and reptiles. The same applies to Defense building, which was abandoned when the defense headquarters moved to Abuja.

The national Stadium and National theater are also part pf the abandoned buildings in Lagos.

It is doubtful whether the Federal government has any plans for these structures in the near future.

Speaker: Lawmakers To Demand Gbajabiamila Steps Down

By

Bayo Bernard

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June 6, 2019

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Ahead today’s final plenary by the House Representatives, controversial lawmaker and Director General of the Femi Gbajabiamila Campaign for Speaker, House of Representatives, Abdul mumin Jubril has been unrelenting in his quest to install his protégé as successor to Yakubu Dogara.

On Tuesday, Jubrin sweated profusely to defend Gbajabiamila even as allegation that he was a convict in the United States of America mounted.

The Source was informed by sources in the house that some opposition lawmakers are planning to demand that Gbajabiamila step down from contesting when they resume on Tuesday to elect their Speaker on the basis that he’s an ex-convict.

Gbajabiamila is the leader of the House and frontline candidate for the House of Representatives Speaker after he had been endorsed by his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC and President Muhammadu Buhari for the position.

He’s in the same contest with another APC member from Niger state, Mohammed Bago whose chances seem to have been brightened in the last few days ahead the 9^th Assembly Swearing in on June 10.

The campaign of the lawmaker representing Surelere 2 Federal Constituency for the Speakership has recently been plagued with many controversies threatening to rob him of the office for the second time.

An online medium recently published a story claiming that the lawmaker was a convict in the United States of America.

It was reported that Gbajabiamila was convicted of fraud 12 years ago by the State of Georgia Supreme Court.

“On February 26 2007 the highest court in the state of Georgia ordered that Femi Gbaja with state bar number 288330 be suspended from the practice of law for 36 months,” after he was found guilty of the charge, Sahara Reporters said in the report.

According to the report “The punishment for Femi Gbaja’s offence would have been outright debarment, however, he played dead before a full panel of the Supreme Court of Georgia led by Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, before the court could rule on the petition from his client, he filed a petition for Voluntary Discipline, filed under bar rule 4-227(b) in which he fully admitted to stealing $25,000 from his client.”

Since the report was made public, Gbajabiamila’s supporters have tried to obliterate its effect on his campaign to occupy the speakership.

On his part, Gbajabiamila a long serving has denied ever being a convict.

Same with Jibrin his spokesman who has trenchantly denied the allegation, insisting that some people opposed to Gbajabiamila’s quest to become Speaker were responsible for the report.

But close watchers of events in Nigeria’s lower house told the magazine that the revelation is already having a toll on his campaign.

“Before the revelation, APC lawmakers in the house were already divided on who to vote for next Tuesday. They have two choices, either him or Bago. But the revelations has further done serious damage to Gbajabiamila’s campaign considering that the election will hold in few days,” one lawmaker from Kano told the magazine.

Another lawmaker from Niger state told the magazine that “things are working out as expected for Bago who’s running on the ground of equity. How can you have the Vice President from the South West and the Speaker from the same region.

We are happy that our candidate has gathered more momentum in the last few days and we are very sure he will become Speaker in sha Allah by next week,” the lawmaker said.

Victor Ogene, a former vice chairman, House Committee on Communications and spokesman for Bago Campaign has also stated that his principal stood a good chance of emerging Speaker against his main rival.

But staunch supporters of the lawmaker from Lagos said what’s currently going on is distraction that not capable enough to stop his ambition.

“Gbajabiamila’s a moving train that cannot be stopped by enemies of APC. As we speak, he has been endorsed by at least 195 lawmakers across party lines. Femi will be crowned Speaker next week. Wait and see,” the lawmaker from Ekiti state told the magazine on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has rejected Femi Gbajabiamila as the next speaker of the House of Representative over his alleged conviction by a United States court in Georgia.

Imo Ugochinyere, CUPP spokesman, and 12 other national chairmen of political parties said this on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Abuja.